Varanasi: Atal Incubation Centre — Banaras Hindu University (AIC-BHU) and the Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI) Sector Skill Council (BFSI-SSC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a dedicated Centre of Excellence for BFSI (CoE-BFSI) at the AIC-BHU premises. The agreement was formalized on Friday, marking a significant step towards fostering innovation in the financial sector.
Objectives of the Collaboration
The primary aim of this partnership is to build a robust ecosystem for BFSI-focused startups, innovators, and entrepreneurs. The CoE-BFSI will provide access to structured mentorship from industry veterans, curated learning resources, prototyping support, and extensive industry networks. This initiative is designed to accelerate the growth of financial technology ventures and nurture talent in the banking, insurance, and financial services domains.
Key Features of the Centre of Excellence
- Mentorship: Entrepreneurs will receive guidance from BFSI experts, helping them navigate regulatory frameworks and market challenges.
- Training Programs: Sector-specific courses, workshops, and certification programs will be offered to enhance skills in areas such as digital banking, risk management, and insurance technology.
- Networking Opportunities: The CoE will facilitate pilot projects and institutional partnerships, enabling startups to test their solutions and scale effectively.
Signatories and Representatives
The MoU was signed on behalf of AIC-BHU by Prof. P.V. Rajeev, Professor In-Charge, and Nand Lal, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). Representing BFSI-SSC were Soumya Ranjan, Chief Operating Officer, and Sachin Shukla, Head of Product & Special Projects. Both parties expressed optimism about the collaboration's potential to drive innovation and skill development in the BFSI sector.
This initiative aligns with the government's vision of promoting entrepreneurship and self-reliance in the financial services industry, leveraging the academic resources of Banaras Hindu University and the industry expertise of BFSI-SSC.



